by Suzette Banzo

Cover girl Celina Lorenz has been a working model for many years.  How many you ask?  Well, according to Celina it's neither polite nor professional to ask a question like that so I didn't.  Celina's extensive resume of opportunities have derived from having a strong work ethic and following a few basic rules.  She has an indisputable passion for representing full figured women and shares a lot of insightful information.

Suzette:  Celina, I was looking over your Model Mayhem online portfolio and your body is "to die for" in the photo where you are wearing a sleeveless beige v neck dress; the caption says "East Hampton".
 
Celina: Thank you! That dress is actually mine, its Donna Karan. She designs beautifully for "grown" women.  She has a market and she has longevity, and with anything, if you have longevity in any industry, there is usually success attached to it.

Suzette: This is how interviews evolve organically for me; you just wrote something that I can say about YOU. When I read your bio online to prepare for the interview it seems that longevity in this industry is exactly what you've had!

Celina: Ha Ha! You are making me blush!  Yes, I have had longevity. Modeling has been my only career since college!

Suzette: How have you managed to go from one blessed opportunity to another? Do you have a great manager, agent, or public relations person that builds up hype? (I'm joking about the last one)

Celina: Seriously Suzi, I have no idea. I think sometimes things are just meant to be. I know that sounds really contrived but I've always been a very hard worker and a go-getter. I think what also sustained my longevity and success in this industry (this is true with ANY line of work) is PROFESSIONALISM.  I've been able to work and thrive in the NY market, and honestly, I think it's because I am professional. Modeling is my JOB. I take it seriously, and it's how I live, so I have to be on top of my game. I also really like working. My parents instilled a great work ethic in me, and I had a job ever since I was 14, so I'm used to working and I'm driven. But, I also understand my limitations. That is an important part of being a model. It's been said before, so I'm not saying anything profound here, but one really must comprehend what one's "niche" is.

Suzette:  Describe professionalism to you; what does that entail?
 
Celina: GREAT question!!! There are two parts to this answer.

Part 1: So, when I first started modeling in Chicago (with Elite) I was really new and very "green". As my booker sat me down, she gave me the best advice that I always remembered and ascribed to. Just three simple rules for any model starting out:

1) When you go on a job, always hang your clothes up after you wear them so the stylist doesn't have to do it.
2) NEVER ask another model how old she is!
3) Don't ever ask another model who her clients are.

Seriously, that was the best advice to me. I remembered that, and that was a great start, just to know those things as a beginner.

Part 2: Professionalism to me means being polite. I've always thought that displaying good manners will take you anywhere. Personally as well as professionally, I've always relied on using good manners, as essentially, good manners puts people at ease.  When I was feeling a little intimidated, scared or unsure as a new model, I found that being professional went hand in hand with being polite.

Also, having a nice clean manicure and pedicure goes without saying, and bringing your own makeup bag is a must. This is not to readjust what the makeup artist has applied, but you never know what will happen, and God forbid the makeup artist doesn't show up, etc.

Another thing that goes hand-in-hand with professionalism is to understand that this is a job. I think it is very important to understand that the crew, photographer, and other models are there to do a job and it is important to remember that. No big diva antics, etc.  At a certain point, there is a maturation that occurs and you go from being excited to have a booking, to understanding that this is peoples' livelihood (and quite possibly your own) and getting the shot, giving the client what they need and doing your very best is what is the most important.  You know, there is always that one girl that everyone remembers who wasn't professional, and I never wanted to be her! No one specific, but I've understood that the industry is a small one and one's reputation is key to one's success...Unless you are Naomi!

Seriously, it's been really great to be a part of this industry.  It was pretty unexpected, but looking back, I'm so glad that I took the opportunity.